FORTY fire-fighters tackled a huge fire last night (Sunday) which gutted a £1.5m thatched cottage at Langrish.
One person was taken to hospital and another treated at the scene after being alerted about the fire by quick-thinking neighbours.
Fire-crews from Petersfield, Alton, Waterlooville, Horndean, Cosham, Bordon and Winchester arrived at the property in East Meon Road around 8.10pm, and used eight pumps to quell the 20 foot high flames with a mixture of air, foam and water.
They also brought in three water carriers due to problems accessing water because of the rural location.
Fire officers, who managed to recover a large amount of personal belongings from the house, stayed overnight at the scene overnight damping down.
The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.